Some supporters of the removal say Macdonald’s public image has been allowed to stand unchallenged, and that his statue outside of a government building sends a disrespectful message to First Nations residents.

Opponents say the removal was done without enough public consultation, and that the city’s action amounts to erasing history.

Helps said the move does anything but.

“This is not about erasing history at all. We’re talking about history. The conversation this week has been about history, it’s actually amplifying history,” she said.

“We’re having a conversation on the streets of Victoria and across the country about history of Canada.

“They’re difficult conversations.”

WATCH: Victoria mayor on removal of John A. MacDonald statue

For the time being, the statue will be stored securely while the city figures out what to do with it.

A plaque will be installed in the interim that explains the city’s decision, pointing to the challenge of grappling with “Macdonald’s complex history as both the first prime minister of Canada and a leader of violence against Indigenous Peoples.”

“It’s a valid criticism, but let’s have the discussion. I think if it’s offensive to someone, their views ought to be expressed.”

Helps said that’s exactly what she’s hoping for.

She said she wants to start a series of public feedback sessions called the Victoria Reconciliation Dialogues that would allow people to weigh in on the best way to use the statue to recognize history, while giving it appropriate context.

“Now this creates a space for a wider conversation with the community here in Victoria about what is reconciliation,” she said.

“How do we reconcile this fantastic city we live in, which also is on the homelands of the Songhees and Esquimalt?”